Dementia Advocacy from Lived Experience with Mary Beth Wighton

03/25/25 • 38 min

Join our discussion with Mary Beth Wighton, inspiring international dementia advocate, writer and speaker as we talk about what it's like living with a diagnosis of probable Frontal Temporal Dementia and learn how she captures her essence.

Our conversation covers:

what receiving the diagnosis is like and the importance of bedside manner;
coming to terms with a diagnosis not just for herself but for family;
choosing to live with purpose and the role of being an advocate;
creating culture and policy change through community;
speaking up for our own needs and being a part of our own health care team;
the importance of positive energy and connection;
communicating our wishes with family and your most trusted supports;
why words matter (Caregiver vs. Care Partner)

**Note: This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022.

Links mentioned:

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Interested in learning more?

Check out my YouTube channel
AWE Struck! Aspirations website

Looking for printable life story and dementia related resources? Check out the resources on AwestruckAspirations' Etsy Shop

Our conversation covers:

what receiving the diagnosis is like and the importance of bedside manner;
coming to terms with a diagnosis not just for herself but for family;
choosing to live with purpose and the role of being an advocate;
creating culture and policy change through community;
speaking up for our own needs and being a part of our own health care team;
the importance of positive energy and connection;
communicating our wishes with family and your most trusted supports;
why words matter (Caregiver vs. Care Partner)

**Note: This episode was recorded in the fall of 2022.

Links mentioned:

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Interested in learning more?

Check out my YouTube channel
AWE Struck! Aspirations website

Looking for printable life story and dementia related resources? Check out the resources on AwestruckAspirations' Etsy Shop

Previous Episode

Capturing Essence for Care: Stories to Transform Healthcare

Join Lisa Joworski, Therapeutic Recreation and Life Story Resource specialist, as she explores how sharing our personal narratives can reduce judgments and transform patient-centred care. This podcast bridges the gap between healthcare professionals, care partners, individuals with lived experiences, and storytellers through meaningful conversations about the power of personal stories.

Each episode features discussions with people who have found value through sharing their life stories with healthcare practitioners and others who incorporate personal history techniques into their practice. Drawing from over two decades of experience working with seniors and people living with dementia, Lisa demonstrates how being seen as a whole person—rather than just a patient—dramatically improves care outcomes and quality of life.

Discover diverse storytelling methods through video, writing, music, and other creative forms that help capture what truly matters in our lives. If you believe in the healing power of storytelling and compassionate care, "Capturing Essence for Care" is your community.

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Interested in learning more?

Check out my YouTube channel
AWE Struck! Aspirations website

Looking for printable life story and dementia related resources? Check out the resources on AwestruckAspirations' Etsy Shop

Next Episode

Using What We Have to Capture Essence

Have you ever thought about how pictures and videos that you already have stored away somewhere could be used to enhance your own health care experience?

Join me as I share my own shift in caring for someone after seeing a daughter's home video of her Mom years before her diagnosis of dementia.

Please subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Interested in learning more?